GEELONG star Daniel Menzel rates their trip north to take on ladder-leading Greater Western Sydney as the Cats' toughest task of the season.

The third-placed Cats meet the top-ranked Giants at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night, and could be without their skipper Joel Selwood.

The captain, who was knocked out early against Fremantle, made the trip to Sydney and Menzel said he was expecting him to play.

"He's pretty good; we knew that Joel out of anyone was going to put his hand up and we're expecting him to play although they still have to assess it over the next 24 hours," Menzel said.

The Cats won by 10 points in their last meeting in round 11 last season, while three of the past four clashes have been decided by less than three goals.

Menzel expected another tight affair, with the midfield battle between Patrick Dangerfield and rising star Dylan Shiel an expected highlight.

"Obviously we're going interstate to play the top team who have been very good all year," the in-form forward said.

"It's probably our biggest challenge so far but at the same time we welcome it."

The Giants are missing injured trio Zac Williams, Tim Taranto and Harry Himmelberg from the 22 that thrashed Brisbane last round but Menzel said it wouldn't change their quick and skillful style of play.

Menzel said the Cats need to match the Giants at the contest if they are any chance of coming home with the four points.

"Our best games have been when we've been hard around the footy and have been tackling well and our pressure's been good and the rest of our footy comes off that," Menzel said.

"We need to match them inside and then go with them on the outside as well."